Amusement parks remain top choice for Finnish school trips despite tighter budgets

Amusement parks continue to dominate as the most popular destination for Finnish school excursions, even as budgets tighten and trips grow smaller in scale, according to a report by public broadcaster Yle.

PowerPark in Alahärmä, western Finland, expects around 8,000 schoolchildren to visit over four dedicated days at the end of May—nearly matching last year’s record of 10,000. The park’s business director, Antti Saarikoski, attributes its enduring appeal to a diverse range of attractions that cater to different age groups.

At Pukkila School in Kauhajoki, students funded their PowerPark trip by selling household paper products, ensuring the outing remained free for all participants—a legal requirement under Finland’s Basic Education Act. “Every pupil must have an equal opportunity to join,” said principal Sinikka Taira, noting that fundraising relies entirely on voluntary contributions. She acknowledged the logistical challenges for teachers but emphasized the value of such trips in fostering social skills and confidence among students, particularly those who are shy.

Fifth-grader Olli Tolvanen, a seasoned school trip participant, brought a body-mounted GoPro to document the day’s rides, while second-grader Eleonoora Honkaranta cited the wooden roller coaster and park food as highlights. “I don’t dare try every ride, but the wooden coaster is my favorite,” she said.

The Trade Union of Education (OAJ) reports a broader shift toward smaller, single-day excursions, with some schools, like Perälä in Laihia, abandoning overnight trips entirely due to uncompensated teacher workloads and safety concerns. Kari Nieminen, chair of OAJ’s Ostrobothnia branch, noted that municipal support has dwindled in recent years, often limited to providing packed lunches—the minimum required by law.

In 2019, Deputy Parliamentary Ombudsman Pasi Pölönen warned that inconsistent municipal practices risk undermining the principle of free basic education. Nieminen stressed that teachers are not obligated to organize fundraising, though parent associations often step in to bridge gaps.

Despite financial constraints, Saarikoski observed no decline in school bookings at PowerPark, where visitor numbers have climbed by thousands annually. “The demand is there,” he said, pointing to the park’s ability to accommodate large groups efficiently.